History of the Shorewood Police Department

The Shorewood Police Department began its operations on Thursday, June 17, 1920, with a 3-man department. Emil F. Bartels was appointed as the first Chief of Police. He remained Chief of Police for over 48 years, retiring in 1968. Chief Bartels passed away less than a year after his retirement on June 5, 1969, at the age of 76. Learn more about the department's history by viewing the Police Department History Photo Gallery.

Our department was originally headquartered in the basement of the Shorewood Village Hall. A cloak room, outfitted with an iron cage, served as a lock-up.

Shorewood PD Patch Pre 1997

Chief Bartels (Circa 1920)

Chief Gass (Circa 1968)

Chief Gass and Lt. William Cary (Circa 1968)

Motor Patrol 1930's

1969 Add from the Milwaukee Journal

K9 Officers - 1935

Chief Cary welcomes new Officers (Circa 1968)

Shorewood PD - 1950s

Police garage construction 1936

Police Department (Circa 1930)

Shorewood Police Department (Circia 1929)

New Police and Fire Station - 1929

Officer William Mass on the range - 1950s

1970s

1979

1980

1990

2002

2006

The Shorewood PD began its operations in the basement of Village Hall in 1920